Contemporary classics - competitively-priced Japanese luxury cars - Black Enterprise 1993 Auto Guide - Buyers Guide

Black Enterprise, Nov, 1992 by Paul Katzka

There was a time when luxury cars were easily defined; they were big, boasted about their boulevard ride and had many comfort and convenience features that separated them from lesser automobiles. They were the ultimate statements of societal "arrival" designed to impress others as much as the owner.

This changed in the 1970s when the Europeans came on the scene. Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar and others became the models of distinction. A new emphasis on driving involvement emerged and status was not merely measured by size.

In 1986, the Acura Legend convinced consumers that the economical and reliable Japanese cars they had loved in the past worked just as well in larger, more luxurious versions in performance and features, for significantly less.

In 1989, Lexus and Infiniti took over where Acura left off. The LS400 and Q45 went substantially up-market to deliver world-class technology, performance and luxury and gained the top position in owner satisfaction in the annual J.D. Power and Associates initial Quality Study. The car's successes were strongly a result of the outstanding value they offered, even at their $40,000-plus price tags. They also catered directly to the changing values of the American consumer, whereby status was measured by the intelligence of the purchase, rather than the price tag.

Trends in the 1990s further reflect the consumer's ability to dictate the market. Outstanding performance, luxury, reliability and technology are merely prerequisites for consideration. Value is critical and overpayment unnecessary. Manufacturers have gotten the message and all are moving toward world-class luxury automobiles that are greatly superior to their predecessors. Even cars in the $25,000 range deliver features and luxuries that were previously reserved for the most expensive cars.

American manufacturers are now showing new competitiveness in products. General Motors in 1992 introduced completely new Sevilles and Eldorados. Lincoln introduces its new Mark VIII, joining the Continental, already one of the most technologically advanced luxury cars produced. Over the next year or so Chrysler is expected to introduce a luxury car based on its new, acclaimed LH cars.

For 1993, Japanese luxury cars continue to proliferate. Lexus' flagship LS 400 receives a face-lift. Infiniti face-lifts its Q45 and emphasizes its recently introduced J30. Acura also freshens the Legend. Mazda's 929 continues to lead in style, while Mitsubishi's Diamante does so in technology.

BMW streamlines its 7-series sedans and offers eight-cylinder engines. Mercedes debuts a new 190 in 1994, offering more room and performance, while Saab brings out a new 9000. Audi's new 90 joins its recently introduced 100 series.

The years to come will show even more competitive products in this growing segment. Mazda will introduce a new luxury division, Amati, in the spring of 1994. GM is expected to bring out a new Riviera in 1994 and a four-door Tornado.

No matter how you define your luxury car, buyers for 1993 and beyond have a seemingly endless choice of world-class automobiles offering value, performance, technology and luxury.

MAZDA 929

Mazda's premium sedan takes aim at the artistic soul with its fluid lines and severely tapered front and rear contours. Such a design skillfully disguises its size and bulk, making the car appear trim and athletic. Mazda's largest sedan is actually much bigger than it looks.

Beneath its sculpted flanks is a 24-valve V-6 engine 195 horsepower to the rear wheels. The car's suspension is focused on a smooth ride, with crisp handling getting second billing. Like the land yachts of yore,this approach is geared towards comfort at some sacrifice of driving confidence.

Inside, the availability of wood on the console adds some extra warmth. Dual air bags and anti-lock brakes maintain the sense of safety. Passenger comfort is supplied with automatic air-conditioning, AM/FM/cassette stereo, eight-way power driver's seat and the usual power accessories. Prices start at roughly $30,000.

LEXUS ES300

The ES300, new last year, is handily trouncing a number of more expensive competitors in terms of value and style. The Lexus entry-level model starts at just a bit under $30,000.

Power in the four-door goes to the front wheels from a 3.0-liter, 24-valve, V-6 engine with 185 very harmonious horsepower. Transmission is five-speed manual or electronically controlled four-speed automatic.

Smooth, flowing curves attest to the state of the art in shaping mass production sheet metal. Inside, switches and controls are so perfectly placed and designed, they seem to work more by your thoughts than motions.

The driver's well-being is attended to via a long list of features, including a driver air bag, anti-lock brakes, tilt steering wheel, automatic climate control, remote entry system and multi-adjustable power front seats.

INFINITI J30

Distinctive styling is the hall mark of Infiniti's new J30 sedan. Designed to look unlike most of its competitors, the ovoid look is controversial, but the interior, elegant and ergonomic, is perfect Playing in the middle ground between "almost" and "true" luxury, the J30 is amply endowed. Standard equipment includes a smooth and potent 210-horsepower, 24-valve, 3.0-liter V-6, an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission, lots of wood and leather, power everything, including trunk release, sunroof, driver and front passenger seats, a superb Bose CD audio system, keyless less remote and automatic climate control.